How Sterling and Wilson Solar leveraged Automatic Voltage Regulators to overcome Voltage fluctuations

Case Study for Sterling and Wilson Solar

Blessed with over 300 days of sunshine and a subtropical climate, Queensland, Australia has become an increasingly popular place for Renewable Energy Companies like Sterling and Wilson Solar to establish numerous solar farms. 

As of 2020, the company has three solar farm projects with more than 800MW under construction in the region, and more are expected to be built. The Queensland State Government now aims to generate half of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

The Problem:

Inconsistent Sunlight Resulting In Voltage Fluctuation

However, the same abundance of sunshine in the State also presents some potential problems in a solar farm’s operations.

In a nutshell, when the Earth receives energy directly from heat generated by the sun, the solar panels collect sunlight and convert it into electricity. 

However, while there are many days of sunshine, the amount of voltage that is received from the solar panels is never stable—because this depends on the position and intensity of the sun. 

Thus, the amount of sunlight received by the solar panel is inherently inconsistent. 

Depending on the amount of sunlight the solar panel receives, this could lead to voltage fluctuation that is harmful to sensitive electronics and load equipment. 

This is why it is important to have voltage optimisation equipment in between the solar panel’s output, and the battery’s input. 

This enables optimal output voltage regulation from the solar panels.

The Ashley Edison Solution

This need for voltage optimisation equipment led Sterling and Wilson Solar towards Ashley Edison. 

To ensure that the solar project achieves the best results with complete voltage stability, Ashley Edison supplied Sterling and Wilson Solar with a series of Automatic Voltage Regulators (Servo AVRs).

This solution delivers highly optimised and controlled output voltage levels—that protect the batteries and other load equipment from harmful voltage anomalies.

The Automatic Voltage Regulators also made sure that the voltage from the solar panel never exceeds the safe value required by the batteries for charging.

Highly ideal for remote locations because little to no maintenance is required, the units supplied to Sterling and Wilson Solar were also slightly oversized capacity rating to mitigate any risk of overheating—which hugely reinforces the Servo AVR’s outstanding durability. 

The Ashley Edison solution provided for Sterling and Wilson Solar’s Project—was a series of customized Automatic Voltage Regulators (Servo AVR).

ASHLEY EDISON AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE REGULATOR (SERVO AVR)

• Single Phase Servo Electronic Automatic Voltage Regulators
• Model: SES-5H-S20
• Quantity: 40 Units
• Rating: 5 KVA
• Fast Response Time (<1.5ms)
• Inbuilt High Overload Capability (10x max current rating for 2 seconds)
• Endurable NEMA 1 Style Enclosure – BS EN 60529 

The Results

The Ashley Edison Automatic Voltage Regulators designed for Sterling and Wilson Solar deliver immediate results upon installation:

• Stepless & Automatic Voltage Regulation.
• Compensation for Low Voltage (from 192V).
• Complete Stabilisation for High Voltage (covering up to 288V).
• Stable 240V, ±1% output voltage accuracy.
• Total protection against harmful high energy surges, transients and spikes.

These Servo AVRs continue to be fully functional, regardless of days with lower intensity of sunlight in Queensland.

Additionally, the Servo AVRs ensure load equipment with safe operations without fear of reverse current flow. This solution also enables Sterling and Wilson Solar to no longer worry about potential voltage fluctuations caused by inconsistent sunlight, and focus more on their goals.

With a stable and optimised voltage supply, Sterling and Wilson Solar continues to gain momentum in enhancing renewable energy efforts—not only in Australia but throughout the World.

Conclusion

Superb voltage quality can play a huge part in elevating renewable energy operations—essentially protecting the Earth for future generations. This case study demonstrates how fluctuation-free voltage supply is vital in promoting productivity and sustainability for society.

With a wealth of over 40 years of experience in expert voltage control, Ashley Edison continues to inspire absolute voltage optimisation across global organisations in multiple industries worldwide.

For a comprehensive consultation, drop us an email at sales@ashleyedison.com and discover how you can effectively solve your power problems with our wide range of voltage solutions.

To learn more about Ashley Edison’s Automatic Voltage Regulators, visit our product page here.

“Demand Certainty, With Voltage Stability.”